Wireless Networking - Trouble Connecting To An Available Access Point


Wireless Networking - Trouble Connecting To An Available Access Point

 

If you are unable to connect to a wireless access point even though the NIC drivers are installed and you can see the access point listed as available.

 

One of the issues with some wireless cards is that the device driver will not allow the wireless NIC to switch channels to find the correct one for the access point in question.

In these cases, it is necessary to set the network properties manually.

 

 

Create a new wireless connection:

 

  1.  Select Launch > Control Center > Network Connections.
  2.  Click Create.
  3.  Select "Local Area Network - Wireless", and click Next.
  4.  Ensure your wireless network device is selected from the "Select Hardware" list, and click Next.
  5.  On the Select Address Type page choose how you want to have your IP set. If you are unsure leave it at the default of Dynamic IP Address (DHCP), and click Next.
  6.  On the Wireless Network Settings page either manually enter the Network name (SSID) or click the Browse button to search for available wireless networks.
  7.  For Mode, use the drop down menu to select either AD-HOC or Infrastructure.
  8.  For Transfer rate, use the drop down menu to select how fast the network should be. Please note that if you are having trouble connecting, you should try using a speed slower than the Network maximum.
  9.  Click Next.
  10.  On the Encryption Settings page, enable the "Enable encryption" box. From the drop down menu, select the encryption type. Enter the encryption key as assigned by your network administrator, and click Next.
  11.  On the Connection Name page, enter a name for your connection, and click Next.
  1. Click Finish.

 

Set properties for an existing wireless connection:

 

  1.  Select Launch > Control Center > Network Connections.
  2.  Right click a wireless connection and select Properties.
  3.  Select the Wireless tab.
  4.  Set the mode, transfer rate and channel number to those of your access point.
  5. Click OK

 

You should now be able to connect to the access point.